The Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio at Diagnosis Is Significantly Associated with Survival in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18. [PMID: 28353661 PMCID: PMC5412316 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040730]

Neutrophils as promising therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer liver metastasis

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an extremely poor prognosis and presents significant treatment challenges. Liver metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have highlighted the significant impact of neutrophils on tumor occurrence and progression, as well as their crucial role in the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment. Neutrophil infiltration plays a critical role in the progression and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Neutrophils contribute to pancreatic cancer liver metastasis through various mechanisms, including angiogenesis, immune suppression, immune evasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, targeting neutrophils holds promise as an important therapeutic strategy for inhibiting pancreatic cancer liver metastasis. This article provides a summary of research findings on the involvement of neutrophils in pancreatic cancer liver metastasis and analyzes their potential as therapeutic targets. This research may provide new insights for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and improve the prognosis of patients with this disease.

Heterogeneous characterization of neutrophilic cells in head and neck cancers

BACKGROUND

Neutrophilic cells are among the most abundant immune populations within the head and neck tumor microenvironment (TME) and harbor multiple mechanisms of immunosuppression. Despite these important features, neutrophilic cells may be underrepresented in contemporary studies that aim to comprehensively characterize the immune landscape of the TME due to discrepancies in tissue processing and analysis techniques. Here, we review the role of pathologically activated neutrophilic cells within the TME and pitfalls of various approaches used to study their frequency and function in clinical samples.

METHODS

The literature was identified by searching PubMed for "immune landscape" and "tumor immune microenvironment" in combination with keywords describing solid tumor malignancies. Key publications that assessed the immune composition of solid tumors derived from human specimens were included. The tumor and blood processing methodologies in each study were reviewed in depth and correlated with the reported abundance of neutrophilic cells.

RESULTS

Neutrophilic cells do not survive cryopreservation, and many studies fail to identify and study neutrophilic cell populations due to cryopreservation of clinical samples for practical reasons. Additional single-cell transcriptomic studies filter out neutrophilic cells due to low transcriptional counts.

CONCLUSIONS

This report can help readers critically interpret studies aiming to comprehensively study the immune TME that fail to identify and characterize neutrophilic cells.

Impact of sarcopenia on recurrent biliary obstruction after EUS-guided biliary drainage in patients with malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sarcopenia is an important prognostic factor for cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of sarcopenia to predict recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) in patients with unresectable cancer after EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD).

METHODS

The study enrolled 113 patients who underwent EUS-BD using the self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) between April 2016 and December 2021 at Wakayama Medical University Hospital. The skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar spine level (L3) was calculated from computed tomography images. We analyzed the cumulative incidence of RBO at 180 days after stent insertion. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables significantly associated with RBO.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were assigned to the sarcopenia group, and 37 were assigned to the non-sarcopenia group. The 180-day cumulative incidence of RBO was 11% in the non-sarcopenia group and 29% in the sarcopenia group (p = 0.034). The time to RBO was significantly shorter for the sarcopenia group (p = 0.028; Gray's test). Multivariate analyses identified sarcopenia as an independent prognostic factor for RBO (present vs absent; HR 4.61; 95% CI 1.76-12.10, p = 0.001). The rates of biliary sludge/food impaction were significantly higher in the sarcopenia group for the causes of RBO (p = 0.048). There were no significant differences between the sarcopenia and the non-sarcopenia groups with respect to related EUS-BD adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is an independent indicator of RBO in patients with MBO who receive EUS-BD with SEMS.

Implication of Skeletal Muscle Loss in the Prognosis of Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Receiving Chemotherapy

Objective The effect of sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients undergoing chemotherapy for unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains largely unexplored. In this retrospective study, we investigated the relationship between sarcopenia and the prognosis of patients receiving first-line nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel plus gemcitabine for unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods We enrolled 251 patients with unresectable metastatic or locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who had received chemotherapy between January 2015 and December 2020 at Kitasato University Hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the stratified Cox proportional hazards model to determine variables significantly associated with the progression-free and overall survival. Propensity score matching was performed to mitigate selection bias effects. Results In the propensity score-matched cohort, the progression-free and overall survival were not significantly different between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups (p=0.335, and 0.679 respectively). The skeletal muscle index decreased by 4.4% and 6.5% in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, respectively, during the early treatment phase (p=0.084). There were no significant differences between groups with regard to major adverse events or drug toxicity occurrences. Both the progression-free and overall survival were significantly shorter in the skeletal muscle index loss group than in the non-skeletal muscle index loss group (p=0.026 and 0.045, respectively). Conclusion Skeletal muscle index loss during the initial treatment phase may be an early marker for the long-term prognosis of patients receiving nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel plus gemcitabine as first-line treatment for unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

The relationship of different preoperative inflammatory markers with the prognosis of gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND

It is aimed to determine the prognostic values of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers in patients undergoing curative surgery for gastric carcinoma and to contribute to the development of prognostic modeling.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of various different preoperative inflammatory markers on the prognosis of gastric carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The medical data and the mortality status of 91 patients who underwent total or subtotal gastrectomy operation for gastric carcinoma at Mersin City Training and Research Hospital between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed from the hospital records and patient files. The patients' demographic characteristics, tumor location, histopathological diagnosis, pathological stage, tumor markers, and preoperative inflammatory and hematological markers were analyzed. Based on these data, tumor stage, metastatic lymph node ratio (MLR), lactate dehydrogenase albumin ratio (LAR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. The relationship between these parameters and postoperative survival was analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS for Windows, version 17.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, United States).

RESULTS

The correlation analysis of the parameters affecting survival showed that, in addition to an advanced tumor stage, inflammatory parameters like NLR, PLR, and LAR adversely affected survival.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative NLR, PLR, LAR, and advanced tumor stage may help determine the survival of gastric carcinoma patients. Multiple studies with larger series are needed on this subject.

SURGICAL TREATMENT AS AN INCREASE IN THE SURVIVAL OF PATIENTS WITH LIVER OLIGOMETASTASIS OF DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE PANCREAS. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA. REVIEW

The work is based on the analysis of the literature data on the problems of treating patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, identifying a group of patients with more favorable treatment prognosis. The objectives of this review are to study diagnostic criteria, to determine the optimal algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with oligometastatic pancreatic disease. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) in the world, in 2020 the incidence of pancreatic cancer among men and women was about 7.2 and 5.0 per 100 thousand, with a mortality rate of 6.7 and 4.6 %, respectively [1]. At the same time, in most cases, the disease is diagnosed at stage IIIIV, so the results of treatment remain unsatisfactory, 2/3 of patients die within 1 year after the diagnosis is made. The "gold standard" for the treatment of this group of patients today is only systemic antitumor therapy according to the FOLFRINOX regimen, in which the average overall survival is about 11.1 months. Thanks to the development of ideas about the mechanisms of tumor progression, the improvement of diagnostic methods and antitumor treatment, the concept of oligometastatic disease has appeared and is being actively studied. According to the current theory, this group of patients with stage IV tumors can potentially have a better prognosis. The analysis of modern domestic and foreign literature is carried out. According to scientific studies, careful selection and implementation of combined treatment can significantly increase the survival rate of this group of patients. Based on numerous studies, some authors have proposed optimal algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with oligometastatic pancreatic disease.

Prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a significant prognostic factor in some cancer types. However, the prognostic value of SII in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of SII in patients with PC through a meta-analysis. This meta-analysis is aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of SII in patients with PC. Relevant articles were obtained through a systematic search. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association between SII and survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Seven studies with 2132 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that elevated pretreatment SII was associated with poor OS (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.34-1.78, p < 0.001) and inferior CSS/DFS/PFS (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.27-1.80, p < 0.001). The prognostic role was reliable in a subgroup analysis conducted according to regions, disease status, survival analysis, and cutoff value. High SII was associated with poor OS in patients with PC. Therefore, SII is suggested to be a cost-effective biological marker for monitoring survival in patients with PC.

Circulating tumor DNA: a help to guide therapeutic strategy in patients with borderline and locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

BACKGROUND

prognostic biomarkers could be useful to better select patients with borderline resectable (BR) or locally advanced (LA) pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) for chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and/or secondary resection.

AIMS

The main objective of this work was to study characteristics, received treatments and prognostic of patients with BR or LA PA according to their baseline circulating tumor DNA status and, for secondary objective, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio (NLR).

METHODS

ctDNA status at baseline was determined using Next Generation Sequencing in a consecutive monocentric cohort of patients with a BR or LA PA.

RESULTS

69 patients were included, 31 with BR PA and 38 with LA PA. 14 (20.3%) patients had baseline positive ctDNA. Five (7.8%) patients had NLR> 5. Patients with positive ctDNA had 3.7 months shorter progression free survival (p = 0.006). Patients with positive ctDNA had earlier progression after the beginning of CRT (4.4 vs 7.1 months; p = 0.068) and shorter relapse free survival after secondary resection (9.2 vs 22.9 months; p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

positive ctDNA at baseline was associated with a worse prognosis in patients with BR or LA PA. These data are exploratory and must be confirmed in further prospective trials.

Factors independently associated with prognosis in patients operated for pancreatic cancer: Assessing the role of various parameters including red cell distribution width, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio

Objective: We aimed to assess whether, among other parameters, preoperative red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values were associated with prognosis in patients operated for pancreatic cancer (PC). Material and Method: This retrospective cohort was conducted from February 1, 2016 to February 1, 2021 at the general surgery department of a university hospital in Turkey. A total of 75 patients histologically diagnosed with PC who had undergone surgery were included in the study. Results: The PLR values of patients with poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumors were found to be higher than those with moderately and highly differentiated tumors. Also, there was a significant relationship between PLR values and the length of hospital stay. PLR values increased as the length of hospital stay increased. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between CA 19-9 levels and NLR and PLR. High total bilirubin level was related with increased risk of death, while adjuvant chemotherapy recipients had 4.049-fold lower risk of death than those without adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: Our results indicate that preoperative NLR, PLR and RDW cannot be used as prognostic indicators of mortality in patients with operated PC, but high PLR appears to be associated with lower level of tumor differentiation and prolonged hospital stay. We also found that high total bilirubin was a poor prognostic factor, while adjuvant chemotherapy was a good prognostic factor. Further multicenter, prospective studies with larger sample sizes will help to verify these results.

Predictive value of albumin combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for efficacy and safety profiles in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma receiving liposomal irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin

Liposomal irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV) treatment has demonstrated survival benefits but noticeable side effects in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that is refractory to gemcitabine-based therapy. This study aimed to explore whether combining albumin with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), herein known as the albumin and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio score (ANS), could be utilized as a simple tool to predict survival and safety profiles in such patient groups. We retrospectively enrolled 434 consecutive PDAC patients treated with nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV between 2018 and 2020 at nine medical centers in Taiwan. Patients were divided into three groups: ANS 0 (high albumin and low NLR), ANS 1 (low albumin or high NLR), and ANS 2 (low albumin and high NLR), for comparison. The median overall survival times for the ANS 0, 1, and 2 groups were 8.7 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 7.0-10.3 months), 5.2 months (95% CI, 4.3-6.0 months), and 2.6 months (95% CI, 1.9-3.3 months), respectively. The ANS was found to be an independent variable for overall survival and time-to-treatment failure in multivariate analyses. Patients in the ANS 2 group had significantly higher incidences of grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events than those in the other two groups. The present study showed that the ANS was an independent prognosticator in PDAC patients receiving nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV therapy. The ANS can be a simple predictor of survival outcome and safety profiles in PDAC patients treated with nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV.

Multimodal survival prediction in advanced pancreatic cancer using machine learning

Background

Existing risk scores appear insufficient to assess the individual survival risk of patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and do not take advantage of the variety of parameters that are collected during clinical care.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we built a random survival forest model from clinical data of 203 patients with advanced PDAC. The parameters were assessed before initiation of systemic treatment and included age, CA19-9, C-reactive protein, metastatic status, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and total serum protein level. Separate models including imaging and molecular parameters were built for subgroups.

Results

Over the entire cohort, a model based on clinical parameters achieved a c-index of 0.71. Our approach outperformed the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) in the identification of high- and low-risk subgroups. Inclusion of the KRAS p.G12D mutational status could further improve the prediction, whereas radiomics data of the primary tumor only showed little benefit. In an external validation cohort of PDAC patients with liver metastases, our model achieved a c-index of 0.67 (mGPS: 0.59).

Conclusions

The combination of multimodal data and machine-learning algorithms holds potential for personalized prognostication in advanced PDAC already at diagnosis.

•

We developed a machine-learning-based prediction model that outperforms the AJCC staging system and mGPS.

•

Applying our model to an external validation cohort demonstrates generalizability.

•

Explainable machine learning enables to understand the decision making of our model and identifies relevant parameters.

•

Combining clinical, imaging and genetic data holds potential for personalized prognostication in advanced PDAC.

Neutrophils and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells: an emerging battleground in cancer therapy

Neutrophils are central mediators of innate and adaptive immunity and first responders to tissue damage. Although vital to our health, their activation, function, and resolution are critical to preventing chronic inflammation that may contribute to carcinogenesis. Cancers are associated with the expansion of the neutrophil compartment with an escalation in the number of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC) in the peripheral circulation and tumor microenvironment. Although phenotypically similar to classically activated neutrophils, PMN-MDSC is pathologically activated and immunosuppressive in nature. They dynamically interact with other cell populations and tissue components and convey resistance to anticancer therapies while accelerating disease progression and metastatic spread. Cancer-associated neutrophilia and tumor infiltration of neutrophils are significant markers of poor outcomes in many cancers. Recently, there has been significant progress in the identification of molecular markers of PMN-MDSC providing insights into the central role of PMN-MDSC in the local tumor microenvironment as well as the systemic immune response in cancer. Further advances in sequencing and proteomics techniques will improve our understanding of their diverse functionalities and the complex molecular mechanisms at play. Targeting PMN-MDSC is currently one of the major focus areas in cancer research and several signaling pathways representing possible treatment targets have been identified. Positive results from preclinical studies clearly justify the current investigation in drug development and thus novel therapeutic strategies are being evaluated in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the involvement of PMN-MDSC in cancer initiation and progression and their potential as therapeutic targets and clinical biomarkers in different cancers.

The evolution of clinical outcomes in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a 10-year experience at a tertiary referral center

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the US. Recent studies have demonstrated survival benefits for FOLFIRINOX (5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) and Gem/nab-P (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel) over gemcitabine. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of mPDAC before and after incorporating these newer regimens into the clinical practice.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with mPDAC at our institution between 2009 and 2018, who were followed up until December 2019. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to explore predictors of survival.

RESULTS

A total of 394 patients with mPDAC were included: 122 (31%) were diagnosed 2009-2013 and 272 (69%) 2014-2018. In 2009-2013 cohort vs. 2014-2018 cohort, the median OS and PFS were similar (4 vs. 3.6 months, P = 0.5) and (2.3 vs. 2.5 months, P = 0.41), respectively. Age, ECOG-PS >1, serum albumin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio were independent predictors of better OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of real-world data, the median OS and PFS for all patients with mPDAC were equivalent before and after incorporating newer treatment regimens into the clinical practice.

Impact of sarcopenia on prediction of progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma receiving first-line gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sarcopenia is an important prognostic factor for cancer patients. Here, we assessed the effects of sarcopenia on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who underwent treatment with first-line gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (GEM and nab-PTX).

METHODS

The study enrolled patients with unresectable PDAC who underwent chemotherapy between April 2016 and May 2020. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar spine level (L3) was calculated from computed tomography (CT) images. Propensity score analysis was used to compare PFS and OS in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine variables significantly associated with prognosis.

RESULTS

Of the 176 patients who received first-line GEM and nab-PTX, 84 were selected and divided into two groups of 42 (the sarcopenia and the non-sarcopenia groups) by propensity score matching. The median PFS of the sarcopenia and the non-sarcopenia groups was 5.0 and 8.0 months, respectively (p = 0.004). The median OS was 10.3 and 18.1 months, respectively (p = 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that sarcopenia was an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, respectively). The rates of major grade 3 or 4 AEs were significantly higher in the sarcopenia group (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia is an independent indicator of a poor prognosis in patients with PDAC treated with first-line GEM and nab-PTX.

The impact of nutritional status on pancreatic cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with poor outcomes. One of the reasons for the dismal prognosis resides in its impressive ability to alter the nutritional status of patients who develop malnutrition, cachexia, anorexia, and sarcopenia in most cases. The ideal way to measure such changes in PDAC patients, in order to readily identify them and avoid complications or discontinuations of treatment is a relatively unexplored area. In addition, most PDAC patients experience pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) that contributes to the complex puzzle of malnutrition and that can be treated with Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT).

AREAS COVERED

We review current knowledge on the impact of nutritional status on both surgical and medical treatments for PDAC, reporting available data on the causes of malnutrition, characteristics, and advantages of different tools to investigate nutritional status and possible strategies to improve patient outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION

All PDAC patients should receive a careful nutritional assessment at diagnosis, and this should be repeated alongside their treatment path. Screening tools and biochemical variables or scores are associated with prognosis, but bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) and radiological assessment of body composition seem more accurate in predicting clinical outcomes and postoperative complications.

A novel prognostic index for sporadic Burkitt lymphoma in adult patients: a real-word multicenter study

Background

Adult sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare but highly aggressive subtype of lymphoma which lacks its own unique prognostic model. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers have been confirmed as prognostic markers in several types of malignancy. Our objective was to explore the predictive value of pretreatment inflammatory biomarkers and establish a novel, clinically applicable prognostic index for adult patients with sporadic BL.

Methods

We surveyed retrospectively 336 adult patients with newly diagnosed sporadic BL at 8 Chinese medical centers and divided into training cohort (n = 229) and validation cohort (n = 107). The pretreatment inflammatory biomarkers were calculated for optimal cut-off value. The association between serum biomarkers and overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional models. The risk stratification was defined based on normal LDH level, Ann Arbor stage of I and completely resected abdominal lesion or single extra-abdominal mass < 10 cm.

Results and conclusions

Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that platelets< 254 × 10⁹/L, albumin< 40 g/L, lactate dehydrogenase≥334 U/L independently predicted unfavorable OS. We used these data as the basis for the prognostic index, in which patients were stratified into Group 1 (no or one risk factor), Group 2 (two risk factors), or Group 3 (three risk factors), which were associated with 5-year OS rates of 88.1, 72.4, and 45%, respectively. In the subgroup analysis for high-risk patients, our prognostic model results showed that high-risk patients with no more than one adverse factor presented a 5-year survival rate of 85.9%, but patients with three adverse factors had a 5-year survival rate of 43.0%. Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) of the risk group score was 0.768. Therefore, the new prognostic model could be used to develop risk-adapted treatment approaches for adult sporadic BL.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-09144-1.

Competing Risk Analysis of Outcomes of Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer Patients Undergoing Definitive Radiotherapy

PURPOSE

We investigated potential factors, including clinicopathological features, treatment modalities, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 level, tumor responses correlating with overall survival (OS), local progression (LP), and distant metastases (DMs), in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who received definitive radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed demographic characteristics; biologically effective doses (BED10, calculated with an α/β of 10) of RT; and clinical outcomes of 57 unresectable LAPC (all pancreatic adenocarcinoma) patients receiving definitive RT using modern techniques with and without systemic therapy between January 2009 and March 2019 at our institution. We used Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 to evaluate the radiographic tumor response after RT. The association between prognostic factors and OS was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox regression model, whereas baseline characteristics and treatment details were collected for competing-risk regression of the association with LP and DM using the Fine-Gray model.

RESULTS

A median BED10 of 67.1 Gy resulted in a disease control rate of 87.7%, and the median OS was 11.8 months after a median follow-up of 32.1 months. The 1-year OS rate, cumulative incidences of LP, and DM were 49.2%, 38.5%, and 62.9%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that pre-RT NLR ≥3.5 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 8.245, p < 0.001), CA19-9 reduction rate ≥50% (adjusted HR = 0.261, p = 0.005), RT without concurrent chemoradiotherapy (adjusted HR = 5.903, p = 0.004), and administration of chemotherapy after RT (adjusted HR = 0.207, p = 0.03) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Positive lymph nodal metastases (adjusted subdistribution HR [sHR] = 3.712, p = 0.003) and higher tumor reduction after RT (adjusted sHR = 0.922, p < 0.001) were significant prognostic factors for LP, whereas BED10 ≥ 67.1 Gy (adjusted sHR = 0.297, p = 0.002), CA19-9 reduction rate ≥50% (adjusted sHR = 0.334, p = 0.023), and RT alone (adjusted sHR = 2.633, p = 0.047) were significant prognostic factors for DM.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that pre-RT NLR and post-RT monitoring of CA19-9 and tumor size reduction can help identify whether patients belong to the good or poor prognostic group of LAPC. The incorporation of new systemic treatments during and after a higher BED10 RT dose for LAPC patients is warranted.

Peripheral Blood Cell Variables Related to Systemic Inflammation in Patients With Unresectable or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Systemic inflammatory response (SIR) plays a central role in the prognosis of unresectable or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), and many SIR-related peripheral blood cell (PBC)-derived variables have been proposed as prognostic factors. The study aims to perform a systematic review and, for the more studied PBC-derived variables, a meta-analysis. A systematic review from 2000 to 2020 on 2 databases by predefined criteria was performed for PBC-derived variables in patients with mPDAC receiving chemotherapy in relation with overall survival. Eligible studies were selected by inclusion criteria, and only the PBC variables reported in at least 10 studies were evaluated by meta-analysis. Three hundred and eighty articles were found, and 28 studies were selected. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were reported in 28 and 10 articles, respectively. The subsequent meta-analyses supported the prognostic effect for both, NLR (hazard ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-2.37) and PLR (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.37). Heterogeneity was significant for NLR (I2 = 62%) and low for PLR (I2 = 24%). Among SIR-related PBC-derived variables, NLR is the most suitable prognostic factor for future clinical trials of patients with mPDAC.

Cell membrane-derived vesicles for delivery of therapeutic agents

Cell membranes have recently emerged as a new source of materials for molecular delivery systems. Cell membranes have been extruded or sonicated to make nanoscale vesicles. Unlike synthetic lipid or polymeric nanoparticles, cell membrane-derived vesicles have a unique multicomponent feature, comprising lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Because cell membrane-derived vesicles contain the intrinsic functionalities and signaling networks of their parent cells, they can overcome various obstacles encountered in vivo. Moreover, the different natural combinations of membranes from various cell sources expand the range of cell membrane-derived vesicles, creating an entirely new category of drug-delivery systems. Cell membrane-derived vesicles can carry therapeutic agents within their interior or can coat the surfaces of drug-loaded core nanoparticles. Cell membranes typically come from single cell sources, including red blood cells, platelets, immune cells, stem cells, and cancer cells. However, recent studies have reported hybrid sources from two different types of cells. This review will summarize approaches for manufacturing cell membrane-derived vesicles and treatment applications of various types of cell membrane-derived drug-delivery systems, and discuss challenges and future directions.

Efficacy and tolerance of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in elderly patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (GnP) among elderly patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GnP in this setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively included all consecutive patients aged ≥65 years with histologically proven PDAC who received at least one cycle of GnP (January 2014 to May 2018) in four academic centers. The primary endpoints were toxicity and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate. We compared patients aged ≥ or <75 years.

RESULTS

The study included 127 patients; among them 42 (33.1%) were aged ≥ 75 years. Fifty-seven and seventy patients received GnP as the first-line and the second-line treatment or beyond, respectively. Sixty-seven patients had at least one grade 3/4 adverse event, the most frequent being neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy. No deaths were related to toxicity. OS (median, 8.0 months; 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.8-10.2) and PFS (median, 5.5 months; 95% CI, 4.8-6.2) were similar for patients aged <75 or ≥75 years in the whole cohort and among patients receiving GnP as the first-line treatment. Cephalic PDAC, liver metastases, hypoalbuminemia, and GnP received beyond the first-line were associated with a significantly shorter OS on the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

GnP is well tolerated and effective in elderly patients with advanced PDAC, even patients aged ≥75 years. The data from daily clinical practice are consistent with the results reported with first-line treatment and highlight the relevance of GnP administration in elderly patients.

A nomogram combining plasma fibrinogen and systemic immune‑inflammation index predicts survival in patients with resectable gastric cancer

Hyperfibrinogenemia and cancer-associated systemic inflammatory response are strongly associated with cancer progression and prognosis. We aimed to develop a novel prognostic score (F-SII score) on the basis of preoperative fibrinogen (F) and systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII), and evaluate its predictive value in patients with resectable gastric cancer (GC). Patients diagnosed with GC between January 2012 and December 2016 were reviewed. The F-SII score was 2 for patients with a high fibrinogen level (≥ 3.37 g/L) and a high SII (≥ 372.8), whereas that for patients with one or neither was 1 or 0, respectively. A high F-SII score was significantly associated with older patient age, a high ASA score, large tumor size, large proportion of perineural invasion, and late TNM stage. Multivariate analysis indicated that the F-SII score, histological grade, and TNM stage were independent factors for overall survival (OS). The Harrell's concordance index (C-index) of a nomogram based on the F-SII score and several clinicopathological manifestations was 0.72, which showed a better predictive ability for OS than the TNM stage alone (0.68). In conclusion, preoperative F-SII may serve as a useful predictive factor for OS and refine outcome prediction for patients with resectable GC combined with traditional clinicopathological analysis.

Association of Weight Change, Inflammation Markers and Disease Staging with Survival of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Cancer-associated-cachexia represents a systemic syndrome of unintended weight-loss (WL) and systemic inflammation, affecting >80% patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA). We aimed to evaluate the association of weight change (WC) with survival of patients treated with chemotherapy (ChT) for PA and the influence of disease staging. We also studied the prognostic and predictive value of inflammation-based scores.

METHODS

Observational, retrospective cohort study. Individuals were divided into two cohorts, according to WC (WL ≥5% vs. non-WL <5%) after ChT. Main endpoints were weight change and survival time. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata software.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were included (median age 69; 48% female), 60% with advanced disease. At 3 months after ChT start, 54% experienced WL. Advanced disease independently predicted WL (OR 2.10; 95% CI, 1.11-19.6; p = 0.041). With median follow-up of 14.8 mo, median survival time of patients with WL was 18.5 mo, vs. 33.2 vs. for non-WL (HR 2.28; 95% CI, 1.15-4.52; p = 0.019). In patients with early-stage disease, WL was associated with decreased survival time (21.9 vs. 67.6 mo; HR 23.68; 95% CI 2.39-234.75; p = 0.007), while the association of WL on survival time in advanced disease was not significant (HR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.34-1.60; p = 0.449). The multivariate survival model showed that WL (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.20, p = 0.005) and cachexia (HR 3.76, 95% CI 1.07-13-18), p = 0.041) were associated with survival time, as well as location in body or tail (HR 3.05; 95% CI, 1.75-5.31; p < 0.001) and high Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at 3 months (HR 6.20; 95% CI, 2.59-14.87; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

WL was an independent prognostic factor for survival. Particularly in early stage disease, interventions targeting this modifiable factor may translate into better outcomes for PA patients. NLR may be a surrogate marker of systemic inflammatory status in this setting.

Readily available biomarkers predict poor survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Identification of metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) patients with the worst prognosis could help to tailor therapy. We evaluated readily available biomarkers for the prediction of 90-day mortality in a nationwide cohort of mPC patients.

METHODS

Patients with synchronous mPC were included from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (2015-2017). Baseline CA19-9, albumin, CRP, LDH, CRP/albumin ratio, and (modified) Glasgow Prognostic Score ((m)GPS composed of albumin and CRP) were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of 90-day mortality. Prognostic value per predictor was quantified by Nagelkerke's partial R².

RESULTS

Overall, 4248 patients were included. Median overall survival was 2.2 months and 90-day mortality was 59.4% (n = 1629). All biomarkers predicted 90-day mortality in univariable analysis, and remained statistically significant after adjustment for clinically relevant factors and all other biomarkers (all p < 0.001). The prognostic value of the biomarkers combined was similar to WHO performance status. Patients who received chemotherapy had better outcomes than those who did not, regardless of biomarker levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In mPC patients, albumin, CA19-9, CRP, LDH, CRP/albumin ratio, and (m)GPS are prognostic for poor survival. Biomarkers did not predict response to chemotherapy. These readily available biomarkers can be used to better inform patients and to stratify in clinical trials.

The Combination of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio with Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers Improves Prognosis Prediction in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with a highly inflammatory microenvironment and liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising tool for the noninvasive analysis of this tumor. In this study, plasma was obtained from 58 metastatic PDAC patients, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentration, and circulating RAS mutation were determined. We found that NLR was significantly associated with both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival. Remarkably, NLR was an independent risk factor for poor OS. Moreover, NLR and PLR positively correlated, and combination of both inflammatory markers significantly improved the prognostic stratification of metastatic PDAC patients. NLR also showed a positive correlation with cfDNA levels and RAS mutant allelic fraction (MAF). Besides, we found that neutrophil activation contributed to cfDNA content in the plasma of metastatic PDAC patients. Finally, a multi-parameter prognosis model was designed by combining NLR, PLR, cfDNA levels, RAS mutation, RAS MAF, and CA19-9, which performs as a promising tool to predict the prognosis of metastatic PDAC patients. In conclusion, our study supports the idea that the use of systemic inflammatory markers along with circulating tumor-specific markers may constitute a valuable tool for the clinical management of metastatic PDAC patients.

Prognostic value of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Prognostic Score in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Prognostic Score (MPS), a composite of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin, is an objective prognostic tool created as a more readily available alternative to the Glasgow Prognostic Score. A prior analysis of patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) suggested that the MPS may predict survival, although it did not control for clinically relevant factors.

METHODS

MPS scores were calculated for patients with mPDAC treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2014. An MPS scale of 0 to 2 was used: 0 for an albumin level ≥ 4 g/dL and an NLR ≤ 4 g/dL, 1 for either an albumin level < 4 g/dL or an NLR > 4 g/dL, and 2 for an albumin level < 4 g/dL and an NLR > 4 g/dL. Performance status, antineoplastic therapy, presence of thromboembolism (TE), radiation therapy, and metastatic sites were also analyzed. The associations with overall survival were examined with time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

RESULTS

A multivariate model revealed that higher MPS scores at diagnosis (hazard ratio for MPS of 2 vs MPS of 0, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.76), liver metastases, radiation therapy, hospital admissions, TE, and performance status were associated with worse overall survival. The median overall survival for patients with MPS scores of 0, 1, and 2 were 12.9, 9.0, and 5.4 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The MPS, an easily calculated composite of the NLR and albumin, is an objective tool that may predict survival in mPDAC independently of performance status, disease characteristics, and cancer therapy.

LAY SUMMARY

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Prognostic Score (MPS) is a new scoring system that incorporates markers of inflammation found in individuals' blood at the diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Data suggest that the MPS may help to determine prognosis.

Prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in estimating survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer

Background

The predictive value of different prognostic biomarkers has been studied in various cancer types.

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the degree of risk and prognostic significance of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC) and reveal its relevance with survival.

Materials and Methods

Clinical and laboratory data of 118 patients with metastatic PC at the time of diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. The overall survival (OS) was estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. To determine the prognostic factors affecting PC, the Cox regression analysis was performed.

Results

The average age of the patients was 67 ± 9.57 years. The patients were analyzed during the follow-up period, and their average OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.73-14.26). The cutoff value was 3.54 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.653, 95% CI = 0.56-0.73, P = 0.006) for NLR and 437 (AUC = 0.670, 95% CI = 0.57-0.75, P = 0.002) for CA19-9. Statistically significant difference was found between CA19-9 (P < 000.1) and NLR (P < 000.1) and OS. Analysis of multivariate Cox regression showed that NLR (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.17-4.03, P = 0.013) and CA19-9 (HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.08-3.03, P = 0.022) were important prognostic factors in OS analysis.

Conclusion

Pretreatment NLR and CA19-9 levels were found to be reliable estimative markers for poor prognosis in patients with metastatic PC. Our findings revealed that NLR and CA19-9 levels can be used to estimate the survival of patients with PC. We believe that our findings will shed light on the management of treatment protocols for patients diagnosed with metastatic PC.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and albumin bilirubin grade in hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent cause of cancer related death globally. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin bilirubin (ALBI) grade are emerging prognostic indicators in HCC.

AIM

To study published literature of NLR and ALBI over the last five years, and to validate NLR and ALBI locally in our centre as indicators of HCC survival.

METHODS

A systematic review of the published literature on PubMed of NLR and ALBI in HCC over the last five years. The search followed the guidelines of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Additionally, we also investigated HCC cases between December 2013 and December 2018 in our centre.

RESULTS

There were 54 studies describing the relation between HCC and NLR and 95 studies describing the relation between HCC and ALBI grade over the last five years. Our local cohort of patients showed NLR to have a significant negative relationship to survival (P = 0.011). There was also significant inverse relationship between the size of the largest HCC nodule and survival (P = 0.009). Median survival with alpha fetoprotein (AFP) < 10 KU/L was 20 mo and with AFP > 10 KU/L was 5 mo. We found that AFP was inversely related to survival, this relationship was not statically significant (P = 0.132). Mean survival for ALBI grade 1 was 37.7 mo, ALBI grade 2 was 13.4 months and ALBI grade 3 was 4.5 mo. ALBI grades performed better than Child Turcotte Pugh score in detecting death from HCC.

CONCLUSION

NLR and ALBI grade in HCC predict survival better than the conventional alpha fetoprotein. ALBI grade performs better than Child Turcotte Pugh score. These markers are done as part of routine clinical care and in cases of normal alpha fetoprotein, these markers could give a better understanding of the patient disease progression. NLR and ALBI grade could have a role in modified easier to learn staging and prognostic systems for HCC.

Local and systemic immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer: Targeting the stalwarts in tumor's arsenal

Late detection, compromised immune system, and chemotherapy resistance underlie the poor patient prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, making it the 3^rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Cooperation between the tumor cells and the immune system leads to the immune escape and eventual establishment of the tumor. For more than 20 years, sincere efforts have been made to intercept the tumor-immune crosstalk and identify the probable therapeutic targets for breaking self-tolerance toward tumor antigens. However, the success of these studies depends on detailed examination and understanding of tumor-immune cell interactions, not only in the primary tumor but also at distant systemic niches. Innate and adaptive arms of the immune system sculpt tumor immunogenicity, where they not only aid in providing an amenable environment for their survival but also act as a driver for tumor relapse at primary or distant organ sites. This review article highlights the key events associated with tumor-immune communication and associated immunosuppression at both local and systemic microenvironments in PDAC. Furthermore, we discuss the approaches and benefits of targeting both local and systemic immunosuppression for PDAC patients. The present articles integrate data from clinical and genetic mouse model studies to provide a widespread consensus on the role of local and systemic immunosuppression in undermining the anti-tumor immune responses against PDAC.

Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis explored the correlation between the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) and survival outcomes and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were comprehensively searched through October 17, 2019. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association between CAR and overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) in pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 11 studies comprising 2271 patients. The pooled results showed that a high CAR was predictive of worse OS (HR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.65-2.06, P < .001), PFS (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.27-1.85, P < .001), and DFS (HR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.30-2.41, P < .001). An elevated CAR was also associated with male sex (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10-1.74, P = .006).

CONCLUSION

Elevated pretreatment CAR effectively predicts inferior survival outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer and may be a powerful prognostic indicator for these patients.

Real-World Dosing Patterns and Outcomes of Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Treated With a Liposomal Irinotecan Regimen in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) is a topoisomerase inhibitor proven to improve survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). This study describes real-world characteristics of patients treated with nal-IRI for mPC.

METHODS

Patients 18 years or older diagnosed with stage IV mPC and treated with nal-IRI were selected retrospectively from a deidentified electronic health record database of more than 2 million US cancer patients. Demographics, clinical and dosing characteristics, and treatment outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Of 257 total patients, 145 (57%) received nal-IRI as first- or second-line therapy. Median nal-IRI treatment duration was 51 days, longer when nal-IRI was used as first/second versus as third-line therapy or later (62 vs 44.5 days). Seventy patients (27.2%) experienced dose modification. Median time to treatment discontinuation was 2.3 versus 1.6 months for first-/second- versus third-line therapy or later, respectively. Median overall survival from nal-IRI initiation was 5.6 versus 4.1 months for first-/second- versus third-line therapy or later, respectively. Prior irinotecan treatment, baseline serum albumin less than 40 g/L, and baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio greater than 5 were associated with reduced overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first large US study of real-world US mPC patients treated with nal-IRI. These results, comparable to the NAPOLI-1 trial, can help inform future studies and the efficacy of nal-IRI in mPC therapy.

C-reactive protein/albumin ratio is a prognostic indicator in Asians with pancreatic cancers: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) in pancreatic cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the potential role of CAR as a prognostic indicator in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search up to December 2018 was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases. The hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed to quantitatively assess CAR as a prognostic indicator in patients with pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with 2047 pancreatic cancer patients were selected for the analysis. Ten out of 11 studies included only Asian patients. The pooled results showed that a higher CAR value was significantly associated with a poor overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients (random-effects model: HR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.53-2.26). Sensitivity analysis indicated the stability of the overall pooled results. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis revealed that the country under study, cut-off value of CAR, treatment of patients, and the period of follow-up did not affect the prognostic value of CAR in pancreatic cancer patients (P > .05). No publication bias was noted across the studies (P = .933).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that CAR is associated with the survival of pancreatic cancer patients of Asian ethnicity, and a higher CAR may be a potential prognostic indicator in pancreatic cancers.

Combination of preoperative fibrinogen and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a predictive prognostic factor in ESCC and AEG systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Cancer-associated systemic inflammation response and hyperfibrinogenemia play crucial roles in cancer progression and prognosis. In the present study, we assessed the clinical value of the preoperative fibrinogen and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).

METHODS

Three hundred and fifty-six patients who underwent curative surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and Multivariate Cox analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic indicators for overall survival (OS). The optimization cut-off values for fibrinogen and the NLR were 3.09 g/l and 1.89, respectively. The fibrinogen and the NLR (F-NLR) index was 2 for patients with high fibrinogen (≥3.09 g/l) and elevated NLR (≥1.89), whereas those with one or neither were indexed as 1 or 0, respectively.

RESULTS

The F-NLR score was significantly associated with tumor size (P<0.001), and pathological stage (P=0.010). The 5-year OS rates in F-NLR groups 0, 1 and 2 were 69.1, 42.6, and 31.9%, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the tumor size (P<0.001), pathological stage (P<0.001), and F-NLR (P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative F-NLR score is an independent prognosis indicator for patients with ESCC and AEG.

A Systematic Inflammation-based Model in Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Emerging evidence revealed the critical role of systematic inflammation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In the present study, we reviewed the records of 279 patients with advanced PDAC. Among them, 147 cases were used as the training cohort and another 132 as the validation cohort. In the training cohort, distant metastasis, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were independent prognostic factors in Cox regression. A nomogram based on these factors was generated to predict median survival time and survival probabilities at 6, 12, and 18 months. The nomogram showed a better discriminatory ability than the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging (C-index: 0.727 vs. 0.610). In the validation cohort, a nomogram composed of the same variables also showed a high discriminatory ability (C-index: 0.784). In the low-risk group with a nomogram total point (NTP) value of more than 175, patients receiving combination therapy showed better prognosis than those receiving monotherapy (P=0.015). In conclusion, the nomogram based on inflammatory biomarkers can serve as useful prognostic tool for advanced PDAC. In addition, patients with high NTP can greater benefit from combination chemotherapy than monotherapy.

First trimester neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and pregnancy outcome

In early pregnancy, miscarriage is the most common complication. The early identification of women at high risk for miscarriage could improve pregnancy outcomes. We investigated whether the first trimester neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be used as a prognostic marker for miscarriage, in pregnancies after spontaneous conception. We retrospectively identified 129 pregnant women who had a first trimester full blood count available and known pregnancy outcome. First trimester NLR was calculated for each woman and mean NLR values were compared between women with live births (group 1) with those with miscarriage (group 2). Mean NLR values were not significantly different between the two groups (2.5 ± 1.0 vs. 2.9 ± 1.5, p = .167) and were not associated with pregnancy outcomes. However, NLR values >5.8 were exclusively observed in the miscarriage group (p = .028).IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? As a marker of inflammation, NLR has been found to be elevated in various diseases and complications that affect pregnancy outcome. Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes have been associated with an increased NLR, but little is known on their direct causal relationship. So far, there has been no evaluation of maternal NLR in regards to miscarriage in otherwise healthy women.What do the results of the study add? We found that NLR does not differ significantly between pregnant women with live birth and those whose pregnancy ended in miscarriage . However, NLR values >5.8 were solely found in the miscarriage group- an observation that was statistically significant.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The above finding supports high NLR values as a potential marker for the identification of the subset of miscarriages in otherwise healthy pregnant women. This may allow personalised approaches to prevent pregnancy loss.

The combination of preoperative fibrinogen and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is a predictive prognostic factor in esophagogastric junction and upper gastric cancer

Objective: Cancer-associated systemic inflammation response and hyperfibrinogenemia play crucial roles in cancer progression and prognosis. In this study, we assessed the clinical value of the preoperative fibrinogen and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) and upper gastric cancer (UGC).

Methods: Patients with AEG or UGC who underwent curative surgery were divided into a training set (n=161) and a validation set (n=195). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic indicators for overall survival (OS). The optimization cut-off values for fibrinogen and the NLR were 3.09g/L and 1.84, respectively. The combination of fibrinogen and NLR (F-NLR) was 2 for patients with high fibrinogen (≥3.09g/L) and elevated NLR (≥1.84), whereas those with one or neither were indexed as 1 or 0, respectively.

Results: F-NLR was identified as an independent prognostic indicator for OS in the training set (P=0.007) which was confirmed in the validation set (P=0.003). In the subgroup analyses, the prognostic significance of F-NLR was still maintained for stages I-II (P = 0.030 in the training set; and P =0.020 in the validation set) and III (P = 0.001 in the training set; and P <0.001 in the validation set).Notably, among patients with F-NLR 2 could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy compared with those with F-NLR 0-1 (P = 0.020 in the training set; and P =0.005 in the validation set).

Conclusions: The preoperative F-NLR score is an independent prognosis indicator for patients with AEG and UGC. And it may help clinicians to identify those patients who at high prognostic risk and will benefit from planning individualized treatment strategies.

Long-Term Survivors in Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective and Matched Pair Analysis

BACKGROUND

Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a median overall survival (OS) of between 8 and 11 months. However, a significant number of patients experience a longer survival, more than 18 months. The aim of this study was to describe the "long-term survivor" population and to evaluate clinical and pathological factors that might affect survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with mPDAC diagnosed in the Centre Leon Bérard (Lyon, France) between January 2010 and June 2015 and who survived more than 18 months were identified. They were compared with a control cohort matched on age, sex, performance status, stage at diagnosis, primary tumor localization, treatment, and liver metastasis. Their clinical features, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients were included, 47 in each cohort. Both cohorts had identical characteristics as follows: women (51%), performance status ≤1 (95.7%), median age at diagnosis (60 years), and metastasis at diagnosis (83%). Median OS was 26.87 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 23-31.08) in the long-term survivor group (LS group) and 9.79 months (95% CI 5.75-11.86) in the control group (C group). Potential factors of long-term survival were explored with a logistic model (LS group vs. C group). Three factors were identified as significant prognostic factors in the univariate analysis: lymphopenia (odds ratio [OR] _{ref: yes} = 0.26), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; OR _{ref >5} = 0.31), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (OR _{ref: yes} = 0.40). NLR was the only remaining factor in our backward selection procedure.

CONCLUSION

A significant subset of patients with mPDAC can achieve long-term survival (≥18 months) in 2018. We identified low NLR as a significant prognostic factor associated with long-term survival in mPDAC.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer. A subset of patients with mPDAC can achieve long-term survival (≥18 months) with a modern chemotherapy regimen, such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. We identified low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a significant prognostic factor associated with long-term survival in mPDAC. Prognostic factors such as NLR might allow accurate selection of patients with mPDAC in order to consider individual therapeutic approaches. NLR should be used as a stratification factor in clinical trials.

First trimester neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and pregnancy outcomes in medically assisted reproduction (MAR): a case control study

As success rates after medically assisted reproduction (MAR) technologies have remained constantly limited during the last years, there has been a systematic effort to predict clinical outcomes. There is currently weak evidence to name the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as an accurate predictor in MAR. Through a case control study, and by setting strict eligibility criteria, we enrolled 66 women (35 with negative outcome and 31 cycles with live birth), in terms of NLR at the time of oocyte retrieval. Clinical and IVF cycle characteristics were comparable in a normalized population. There was a positive correlation between NLR and the age of the woman (r = 0.310, p=.011 and rs =0.363, p=.033). Higher odds ratios (ORs) of MAR positive outcome were detected only at higher NLR values, when NLR was divided into quartiles, but only in the 4th quartile [OR =4.33 (95%CI: 1.02-10.79)]. ROC curve resulted on an AUC equal to 0.660 (95%CI: 0.529-0.791) and p value .025. The estimated specificity, sensitivity and cutoff point were 0.57, 0.548, and 1.98, respectively, while PPV and NPV values were 70.6% and 59.3%, respectively. In conclusion, NLR was positively correlated with maternal age; in our study cohort, MAR failure was associated with lower NLR values.

Combining the Specific Anti-MUC1 Antibody TAB004 and Lip-MSA-IL-2 Limits Pancreatic Cancer Progression in Immune Competent Murine Models of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Immunotherapy regimens have shown success in subsets of cancer patients; however, their efficacy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remain unclear. Previously, we demonstrated the potential of TAB004, a monoclonal antibody targeting the unique tumor-associated form of MUC1 (tMUC1) in the early detection of PDA. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic benefit of combining the TAB004 antibody with Liposomal-MSA-IL-2 in immune competent and human MUC1 transgenic (MUC1.Tg) mouse models of PDA and investigated the associated immune responses. Treatment with TAB004 + Lip-MSA-IL-2 resulted in significantly improved survival and slower tumor growth compared to controls in MUC1.Tg mice bearing an orthotopic PDA.MUC1 tumor. Similarly, in the spontaneous model of PDA that expresses human MUC1, the combination treatment stalled the progression of pancreatic intraepithelial pre-neoplastic (PanIN) lesion to adenocarcinoma. Treatment with the combination elicited a robust systemic and tumor-specific immune response with (a) increased percentages of systemic and tumor infiltrated CD45+CD11b+ cells, (b) increased levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), (c) increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity/phagocytosis (ADCC/ADCP), (d) decreased percentage of immune regulatory cells (CD8+CD69+ cells), and (e) reduced circulating levels of immunosuppressive tMUC1. We report that treatment with a novel antibody against tMUC1 in combination with a unique formulation of IL-2 can improve survival and lead to stable disease in appropriate models of PDA by reducing tumor-induced immune regulation and promoting recruitment of CD45+CD11b+ cells, thereby enhancing ADCC/ADCP.

Prognostic Role of the Prognostic Nutritional Index in Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been reported to play an important prognostic role in various malignancies. Here we performed a meta-analysis to explore the predictive value of PNI in pancreatic cancer (PC).

METHODS

Clinical studies about PNI and prognosis in PC were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Libarary updated on 31 December 2017. Stata 12 was used to compute pooled hazard radio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to estimate the relationship between PNI and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Ten studies with 2064 patients were eligible for final analysis. The pooled HR (1.48, 95%CI: 1.32-1.66, I ² = 25.5% P = 0.201）revealed that low PNI was related to poor prognosis in patients with PC. The significant relationship between PNI and prognosis was not affected by subgroup analysis based on tumor stage, treatment method, sample size, cutoff value, HR data source and study quality.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis suggests PNI maybe a potential prognostic indicator for patients with PC.

Circulating Biomarkers for Prediction of Objective Response to Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with increasing incidence. Most patients present with advanced disease, for which palliative systemic chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option. Despite improved median survival rates with FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine chemotherapy compared to the best supportive care, many individual patients may not benefit from chemotherapy. Biomarkers are needed to predict who will benefit from chemotherapy and to monitor a patient’s response to chemotherapy. This review summarizes current research and future perspectives on circulating biomarkers for systemic chemotherapy response.

Correlation of Leukocyte Subtypes, Neutrohyl Lymphocyte Ratio, and Functional Outcome in Brain Metastasis

BACKGROUND:

As the most cause of death in patients with solid extracranial malignancy, brain metastasis (BM) nowadays being studied extensively especially on how to find a reliable laboratory marker that can correlate with its clinical outcome. Leukocyte subtypes, primarily neutrophils and lymphocytes and its ratio known as Neutrophils-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) have been known before its relationship with progressivity of BM from other solid tumours.

AIM:

The objectives of this research to study the correlation of leukocyte subtypes, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio & functional outcome in brain metastasis.

METHODS:

The study subjects were recruited consecutively from the study population. Venous blood was taken 5 ml of venous blood samples done in the first day of admission on emergency department and neurology clinic of Neurology Department of Adam Malik General Hospital before any drug injections. Samples were kept in vacutainer tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sent to Department of Clinical Pathology laboratory of Adam Malik General Hospital, immediately centrifuged at 3100 rpm for 10 minutes in -20°C temperature and analysed using Sysmex XT-2000i. Functional outcome of the patient assessed using Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) in a cross-sectional manner with laboratory analysis.

RESULTS:

We conduct a mean differences and correlational leukocytes and its subsets analysis of 72 BM patients resulting on significant positive correlation on lymphocyte percentage (r = 0.383, p = 0.001) and lymphocyte absolute (r = 0.265, p = 0.024), also significant negative correlation on neutrophils (r = -0.240, p = 0.042) and NLR (r = -0.432, p < 0.001) with Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS).

CONCLUSION:

Increased lymphocyte absolute and lymphocyte percentage correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with better KPS, while elevated neutrophils percentage and increased NLR show significant correlation with worse outcome of BM patients.

Retrospective comparison of the efficacy and the toxicity of standard and modified FOLFIRINOX regimens in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

FOLFIRINOX stands a major breakthrough in the management of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (MPA). Nonetheless, significant side-effects have been reported using standard FOLFIRINOX. We aimed to compare survival outcomes, response rates and toxicity of patients treated with standard or modified FOLFIRINOX in MPA.

METHODS

We included patients aged ≥18 years old, with pathologically confirmed MPA, treated with FOLFIRINOX in the first-line setting. Patients submitted to at least one cycle of full-dose FOLFIRINOX were grouped in the standard FOLFIRINOX group.

RESULTS

Patients treated with standard FOLFIRINOX were younger and had less comorbidity. We observed no differences in overall survival or in progression-free survival between the two treatment arms. The only variable independently associated with OS was log10[neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)]. Modified FOLFIRINOX was associated with a lower dose reduction rate, but a slightly increased incidence of severe toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified FOLFIRINOX presents the same activity against MPA as standard FOLFIRINOX. We found no significant differences in toxicity, possibly due to patient selection and a higher dose reduction rate in the standard FOLFIRINOX arm. NLR stood as an important prognostic marker and further research is needed to comprehend its biological meaning in pancreatic cancer.

Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio and Transarterial Chemoembolization in Neuroendocrine Tumor Metastases

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown to be predictive of outcomes in various cancers, including neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and cancer-related treatments, including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). We hypothesized that NLR could be predictive of response to TACE in patients with metastatic NET.

METHODS

We reviewed 262 patients who underwent TACE for metastatic NET at a single tertiary medical center from 2000 to 2016. NLR was calculated from blood work drawn 1 d before TACE, as well as 1 d, 1 wk, and 6 mo after treatment.

RESULTS

The median post-TACE overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was 30.1 mo. Median OS of patients with a pre-TACE NLR ≤ 4 was 33.3 mo versus 21.1 mo for patients with a pre-TACE NLR >4 (P = 0.005). At 6 mo, the median OS for patients with post-TACE NLR > pre-TACE NLR was 21.4 mo versus 25.8 mo for patients with post-TACE NLR ≤ pre-TACE NLR (P = 0.007). On multivariate analysis, both pre-TACE NLR and 6-mo post-TACE NLR were independent predictors of survival. NLR values from 1-d and 1-wk post-TACE did not correlate with outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

An elevated NLR pre-TACE and an NLR that has not returned to its pre-TACE value several months after TACE correlate with outcomes in patients with NET and liver metastases. This value can easily be calculated from laboratory results routinely obtained as part of preprocedural and postprocedural care, potential treatment strategies.

Prognostic Roles of Inflammatory Markers in Pancreatic Cancer: Comparison between the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio

Background/Objectives

This meta-analysis is aimed at investigating the prognostic roles of the inflammatory markers neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

The correlations between high inflammatory marker expression levels and prognosis in 7105 patients with pancreatic cancer from 34 eligible studies were investigated. Additionally, subgroup analyses based on study location, tumor stage, treatment, and value cutoffs were performed.

Results

High NLR and PLR values were considered to be 2.0–5.0 and 150–200, respectively. Using a random-effects model, the estimated rates of high NLR and PLR were 0.379 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.310–0.454) and 0.490 (95% CI 0.438–0.543), respectively. High NLRs were frequently found in patients with lower tumor stages and in those who underwent surgery. There were significant correlations between high NLR and PLR and poor survival rates (hazard ratio [HR] 1.737, 95% CI 1.502–2.009 and HR 1.143, 95% CI 1.037–1.259, resp.). Interestingly, the NLR and PLR had no prognostic value in patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results showed that inflammatory markers are useful for predicting prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. The NLR is a more suitable parameter for predicting prognosis regardless of the patient's condition.

Increased platelet-to-lymphocytes ratio is associated with poor long-term prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer after surgery

Several studies reported platelet-to-lymphocytes ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were associated with the mid-term survival or cancer stage in pancreatic cancer. However, the relationship between these markers and the long-term prognosis of pancreatic cancer is still unknown. We investigated the relationship between PLR, NLR, RDW, and the long-term prognosis of pancreatic cancer.We included 182 pancreatic cancer patients who received operation at Linzi District People 's Hospital between August 2010 and January 2017. PLR, NLR, and RDW control data was obtained from 150 health volunteers from January 2011 to January 2017. Blood biochemical data before operation, preoperative computed tomography information, and pathological data of the pancreatic cancer patients were retrospectively collected for further analysis. Independent long-term prognostic significance of PLR, NLR, and RDW were analyzed in pancreatic cancer patients.PLR, NLR, and RDW were significantly increased in pancreatic cancer group compared with the control. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed the optimal cut-off values of PLR, NLR, and RDW were 150, 1.73, and 13.2 respectively. Overall survival (OS) analysis showed pancreatic cancer patients with PLR≥150 (median time, 24 vs 37.5 months, P = .005) or RDW≥13.2 (median time, 27 months vs 37.5 months, P = .018) had lower postoperative 5 year OS compared with pancreatic cancer patients with PLR<150 or RDW<13.2. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis for postoperative 5 year OS data showed PLR≥150 (HR = 2.451, 95% CI 1.215-4.947; P = .012) was still associated with the OS independently. Disease free survival (DFS) analysis showed pancreatic cancer patients with PLR≥150 (median time, 24 months vs 38 months, P = .002) or RDW≥13.2 (median time, 24 months vs 37.5 months, P = .006) had lower postoperative 5 year DFS compared with pancreatic cancer patients with PLR<150 or RDW<13.2. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis for postoperative 5 year DFS data showed PLR≥150 (HR = 2.712, 95% CI 1.367-5.379; P = .004) was independently associated with the DFS.In the present study, we find hematological biomarkers PLR≥150 is an independently predictive risk factor for the postoperative long-term prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Our study may provide a convenient way for the prognostic assessment of pancreatic cancer patients.

Pretherapy neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio do not predict survival in resectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pretherapy serum neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have both been identified as prognostic in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic implication of pretherapy NLR and PLR in patients with resectable PDAC.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively on patients operated at our institution between 2004 and 2014. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the relationship between clinical and pathological parameters, NLR and PLR to overall survival (OS). Survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

217 patients were analyzed with a median overall survival (OS) of 17.5 months. Factors identified as being predictive of OS by univariate analysis included age, receipt of adjuvant therapy, margin positivity, pathologic angiolymphatic invasion, T-stage, and N-stage (P < 0.05). Factors identified as being independently predictive of OS by multivariate analysis included age and angiolymphatic invasion (P < 0.05). NLR and PLR were not predictive of OS. Survival analysis demonstrated no difference in OS in patients who had high or low NLR or PLR.

DISCUSSION

Pretherapy NLR and PLR do not predict survival in patients who underwent pancreatectomy for PDAC at our institution.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a feasible prognostic marker for pyogenic liver abscess in the emergency department

PURPOSE

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an effective predictor of mortality in patients with for various conditions. To date, there are no previous studies on NLR as a prognostic marker for pyogenic liver abscess (PLA), especially on admission to the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

From January 2013 to December 2015, 102 patients diagnosed with PLA in the ED were included. Clinico-radiological and laboratory results, including NLR, were evaluated as variables. NLR was calculated as absolute neutrophil count/absolute lymphocyte count. To evaluate the prognosis of PLA, data on hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and development of septic shock were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Among 102 patients, 10 (9.8%) died, 14 (13.7%) were admitted to the ICU, and 15 (14.7%) developed septic shock during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed NLR as an independent factor in predicting death [odds ratio (OR), 1.4; p = 0.020], ICU admission (OR, 1.4; p = 0.021), and development of septic shock (OR, 1.6; p = 0.041). NLR showed an excellent predictive performance for death (areas under the ROC curves [AUC], 0.941; cut-off value, 19.7; p < 0.001), ICU admission (AUC, 0.946; cut-off value, 16.9; p < 0.001), and development of septic shock (AUC, 0.927; cut-off value, 16.9; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

NLR was positively associated with poor prognosis of PLA; elevated NLR could predictor of high risk of death, ICU admission, and development of septic shock. Emergency physicians should consider NLR for the prognosis of PLA and early aggressive treatment, especially in patients with NLR > 16.9.

Role of sequential chemoradiotherapy in stage II and low-risk stage III-IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy: A propensity score-matched analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of sequential chemoradiotherapy (SCRT; induction chemotherapy [IC] followed by intensity-modulated radiotherapy [IMRT]) in stage II and low-risk stage III-IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four well-matched groups were individually generated using propensity score matching in patients (n = 689) with stage II (SCRT vs. concurrent chemoradiotherapy [CCRT], SCRT vs. IMRT alone) and low-risk stage III-IV NPC (SCRT vs. CCRT, SCRT vs. IC + CCRT). Five-year overall/disease-free/locoregional relapse-free/distant metastasis-free survival (OS/DFS/LRRFS/DMFS) and acute hematological toxicities were compared between groups. The value of SCRT was further investigated in multivariate analysis and subgroup analysis by adjusting for covariates and limiting IC-to-IMRT time interval, respectively.

RESULTS

SCRT led to equivalent survival outcomes compared to CCRT/IMRT alone and CCRT/IC + CCRT in stage II and low-risk stage III-IV NPC, respectively (all P > .050). In multivariate analysis, patients with stage II NPC treated by SCRT obtained higher DMFS (AHR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.05-1.00, P = .050), but not OS, DFS or LRRFS, compared to patients receiving CCRT; non-significant differences were observed between SCRT and other treatments. SCRT with short IC-to-IMRT time interval (≤70 days) achieved higher 5-year survival rates than IMRT alone (DMFS: P = .046), CCRT (stage II NPC; OS: P = .047; DMFS: P = .020) and IC + CCRT (DFS: P = .041). Moreover, SCRT was associated with higher, equivalent and lower frequencies of acute hematological toxicities than IMRT alone, CCRT and IC + CCRT, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SCRT is mainly beneficial in stage II NPC, leading to better DMFS and/or equivalent acute hematological toxicities compared to CCRT/IMRT alone. CCRT is still the best choice for low-risk stage III-IV NPC.